http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/pages/collectiondetails.aspx?TopicalCollectionId=21
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http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2013/03000/Advances_in_Thymoma_Imaging.3.aspx
Thymoma is the most common primary neoplasm of the anterior mediastinum, but it accounts for <1% of all adult malignancies. It is the most common of the thymic epithelial neoplasms, which, in addition to thymoma, include thymic carcinoma and thymic carcinoid. Because of the rarity of thymoma, it has not been studied thoroughly. Over the last half decade, there has been increased interest in this disease, with greater international collaboration and dedicated thymic malignancy work groups; this has culminated in the formation of the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group, instituted to provide a scientific infrastructure for the study of these lesions and foster collaborative research. Imaging plays a major role in the identification and staging of thymoma, as well as in the follow-up monitoring for its recurrence. Currently, imaging is predominantly carried out with computed tomography (CT). In selected cases, there is a role for magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the investigation of an anterior mediastinal mass suspected to be thymoma. Because patients with advanced thymoma receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiologists should be familiar with the staging system of thymoma and the imaging features of advanced-stage thymoma to identify such patients before surgery. This review serves as an update of the recent imaging studies on thymoma, which may help in tailoring the approach to the patient with a biopsy-proven or suspected thymoma.]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:20:41 GMT-06:0000005382-201303000-00003http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2013/03000/Delayed_Enhancement_Magnetic_Resonance_Imaging_in.4.aspx
This review highlights the role of delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of patients with nonischemic myocardial disease. The authors discuss the use of delayed enhancement for differentiation between ischemic and nonischemic myocardial disease and for narrowing the differential diagnosis when nonischemic etiologies are suspected. In addition, special focus is given to the prognostic applications of delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging.]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:21:02 GMT-06:0000005382-201303000-00004http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2013/05000/Magnetic_Resonance_and_Computed_Tomography_Imaging.7.aspx
The current Dana Point Classification system (2009) distinguishes elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure into pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension. Fortunately, PAH is not a common disease. However, with the aging of the First World’s population, heart failure has become an important outcome of pulmonary hypertension, with up to 9% of the population involved. PAH is usually asymptomatic until late in the disease process. Although features that are indirectly related to PAH are found on noninvasive imaging studies, its diagnosis and management still require right heart catheterization. Imaging features of PAH include the following: (1) enlargement of the pulmonary trunk and main pulmonary arteries; (2) decreased pulmonary arterial compliance; (3) tapering of the peripheral pulmonary arteries; (4) enlargement of the inferior vena cava; and (5) increased mean transit time. The chronic requirement to generate high pulmonary arterial pressure measurably affects the right heart and main pulmonary artery. This change in physiology causes the following structural and functional alterations that have been shown to have prognostic significance: relative area change (RAC) of the pulmonary trunk, right ventricular stroke volume index, right ventricular stroke volume, right ventricular end-diastolic volume index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index, and baseline right ventricular ejection fraction <35%. All of these variables can be quantified noninvasively and followed up longitudinally in each patient using magnetic resonance imaging to modify the treatment regimen. Untreated PAH frequently results in rapid clinical decline and death within 3 years of diagnosis. Unfortunately, even with treatment, fewer than half of these patients are alive at 4 years.]]>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:31:48 GMT-05:0000005382-201305000-00007http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2013/11000/Adult_Congenital_Heart_Disease__A_Practical.3.aspx
Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) represent an increasing population both because anomalies that might have remained undiagnosed in the past are now being diagnosed later in life on imaging and because significant therapeutic advances have resulted in survival to adulthood of patients with complex CHD. In this article, we discuss simple and common complex congenital anomalies that are encountered in general practice including their incidence, associations, and expected postoperative appearances. We will describe an approach to segmental anatomy and situs evaluation and details of some of the common vascular anomalies, simple shunts, and complex CHDs to refine the imaging strategies and diagnostic acumen of radiologists interested in CHD who may not be practicing in specialized adult CHD centers. Key imaging appearances on chest radiography, protocoling tips for answering clinically relevant questions on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and the specific imaging appearances and common complications related to long-standing CHD in the adult and complications of treatment are reviewed for each entity.]]>Thu, 24 Oct 2013 13:31:20 GMT-05:0000005382-201311000-00003http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2014/09000/Peer_Review_in_Cardiothoracic_Radiology.5.aspx
A variety of peer review methods can be used as part of quality assurance and quality improvement in cardiothoracic radiology. Traditionally, peer review in radiology is a retrospective process relying primarily on review of previously interpreted studies at the time of follow-up or additional imaging. However, peer review can be enhanced with other methods such as double reads, focused practice review, practice audit, and correlation with operative and pathologic findings. Furthermore, feedback from referring physicians can be extremely useful in improving the quality of a radiology practice. This article discusses peer review in radiology with a focus on cardiothoracic imaging. Types of peer review, advantages and shortcomings, and future challenges are addressed.]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:28:28 GMT-05:0000005382-201409000-00005http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2014/09000/Professionalism_in_Radiology.7.aspx
Professionalism has been described as the “basis of medicine’s contract with society.” This article reviews the foundational principles of medical professionalism and, more specifically, defines the nature and scope of radiologists’ responsibilities to patients. In the face of ongoing changes in the environment of medical practice, maintenance of professionalism is an adaptive challenge that will require successful practitioners to be open to and actively engaged in continuous learning and self-improvement. Imaging 3.0 is a change process developed by the American College of Radiology to help radiologists redefine and reprioritize their professional activities as the discipline transitions from a volume-based to value-based specialty.]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:32:11 GMT-05:0000005382-201409000-00007http://journals.lww.com/thoracicimaging/Fulltext/2015/01000/Developmental_Lung_Malformations_in_Children_.7.aspx
Congenital lung anomalies represent a diverse group of developmental malformations of the lung parenchyma, arterial supply, and venous drainage, which may present anywhere from the prenatal period through adulthood. It is imperative for radiologists to be aware of imaging techniques and imaging appearance of these anomalies across the pediatric age range. This review presents the spectrum of these lesions that are often encountered in daily clinical practice. Each anomaly is discussed in terms of underlying etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging characterization with emphasis on the most up-to-date research and treatment. Knowledge of these areas is essential for accurate, timely diagnosis, which aids in optimizing patient outcomes.]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2014 23:40:40 GMT-06:0000005382-201501000-00007